[Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Totnes Borough.

  • Totnes (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1952
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Totnes Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    TUBERGULOSIS I an glad to report a fall in tho number of cases of tuberculosis notified during the year. This decline, coupled with the great advances nade in the treatment of this disease, augurs well for the effective control of this infection in the future. INFANTILE PARALYSIS. This year, again, I am glad to be able to report that no case of acute anterior polio-myelitis or infantile paralysis has been notified. DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION. Tho work of immunisation goes on apace, being shared by the Child Welfare and School Medical Officers and the General Practitioners, The public have now become immunisation conscious and the course of injections is now accepted as part of the normal routine of the child1s upbringing. And what a great achievement] There has been no case of diphtheria in this Borough for many years. VACCINATION, I am glad to say that we in Totnes are still mindful of the need for vaccination. Comparative figures are not available but there is no doubt that we compare very favourably with the surrounding areas. The work of vaccination is undertaken by tho General Practitioners and the arrangement is most satisfactory. HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION, We have, in the Borough, two hospitals, viz; Totnes & District Hospital for acute cases - 24 available beds (including five cots). Broomborough Hospital for chronic cases - 178 available beds. Maternity Wing (Broomborough Hospital) - 13 available beds and 12 cots, Tho Hospitals named above supply the necessary hospital accommodation for the Borough and a large surrounding district. We have reason to be proud of these hospitals, which are up-to-date and efficiently run. The addition of a children’s ward to the Totnes & District Hospital is a real asset. This beautifully appointed and delicately decorated little ward is a real joy. MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE. The Maternity Wing of Broomborough Hospital is a well- equipped unit and accommodates the cases from this area, as well as those from the surrounding districts. It is a very efficient organisation, which copos with a large number of cases during the year. Domiciliary midwifery is undertaken ty the District Midwifes and is greatly encouraged, where home conditions permit. NURSING. One of our two District Nurses retired at the end of the year. I would like to take this opportunity of saying thank